The 2nd Chairman Prospero Pichay Jr. Cup International Chess Championship was held on 2-8th June 2011 in Subic Freeport, Philippines. 86 players from seven federations, among them 13 Grandmasters, competed in the 10-round tournament. A total of $30,000 in cash prizes was allocated for this event.

Grandmasters Darwin Laylo of Philippines, Wen Yang and Li Shilong (both China) shared the fist place with 7.5 points each. Laylo was declared champion on superior tiebreak score accumulated through constant occupation of the top table.

After round seven Laylo had a full point advantage ahead of the opposition, but the defeat against Shilong complicated matters on the top of the scoreboard. On the final day the leaders settled for draws to maintain the high positions.

The tournament is generally open only to players with FIDE Ratings of at least 2000 (organizers do have discretion to make special exceptions). The number of players rated under 2200 FIDE will be limited to at most one-third of the field though to ensure players of having good chances to make GM norms. Those in that category who wish to play should contact organizers as soon as possible as the event may not be open to such players at a later date.

The Northern California International begins only a couple of days after the North American Open in Las Vegas ends, and the International also ends only a few days before the Golden State Open in the same area begins so is a very convenient event for those who are playing in either.

GRANDMASTER Darwin Laylo grabbed the top spot in the 2012 Manila Open Chess Championship, dubbed as Mayor’s Cup, last Sunday at the SM City Manila. Laylo collected a total score of 7.5 points, half point ahead with 12-time National Open champion GM Rogelio "Joey" Antonio, Jr. of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and former Philippine Junior Champion NM Rolando Andador of Talisay, Negros Occidental, who settled for second and third place, respectively.

The San Roque, Marikina City native Laylo defeated fellow GMs Antonio and Mark Paragua in the last two round to clinch the title in the 8-round National Chess Federation of the Philippines-sanctioned tournament.

Laylo took home the P20,000 top prize in the one-day affair, which was held as part of kickoff activities for the city’s 441st founding anniversary, also known as "Araw ng Maynila".

"Medyo nasa kondisyon po tayo saka nagbunga din yung araw-araw na paghahanda natin at pagre-review ng mga latest ideas at technique sa chess," said Laylo, who is also fresh from winning the 2012 POC-PSC National Games Open Chess Championships in Dumaguete City this month.

A veteran member in the Chess Olympiad and World Cup, Laylo is also member of the Philippine Team which captured the silver medal in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. -- MB

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